So good I had to, purrs Louis van Gaal

United snapped up the Colombian striker on a year-long loan from Monaco, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

United insist they are not be paying Falcao’s tax-free Monaco salary in full, but the striker is still understood to be earning more than captain Wayne Rooney - who is on £230,000-a-week - with the Colombian being paid around £265,000-a-week.

And van Gaal is suitably delighted with his new recruit.

"I am delighted Radamel has joined us on loan this season. He is one of the most prolific scorers in the game.

"His appearances-to-goal ratio speaks for itself and when a player of this calibre becomes available it is an opportunity not to be missed."